Statement from the family of Katie Isabelle Peters

Katie grew up on a dairy farm in Tallandoon, in the Mitta Valley, and is the second youngest of five children. She has two loving sisters and brothers, who adore her.

She was a happy, caring and genuine "farm girl" who had a great sense of humour.

Katie attended Eskdale Primary School before completing VCE in 2011 at Tallangatta Secondary College. She was vice-school captain and sports captain.

After successfully completing her VCE, Katie and a group of her close friends holidayed in Bali, a trip which she loved and often recalled.

In 2012, Katie decided to take a "gap year" and travelled to Canada for six months, and worked at a summer camp in Vancouver. Following her seasonal employment with DSE as a project fire-fighter, Katie planned to attend Deakin University, Geelong, to undertake a science degree with a hope of getting into veterinary science.

Her interest in veterinary science stemmed from her love for animals, especially horses. Her family remembers even from a young age having to call her in from the bush at dusk to return home for dinner. She had been in the bush riding her horse, often with her dog and cat in tow.

Katie will always be held in the hearts of those who knew her.

Our family, Katie's partner, friends and work mates are united in grief as we try to come to terms with our loss.

We thank everyone for their heartfelt wishes and messages of condolences, but ask that our privacy be respected during this difficult time.